Falcons bolster backline by signing Saumalu

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Sunshine Coast have signed Nathan Saumalu to bolster their ranks in the centres, where they were found wanting at times last season.

The 23-year-old comes to the club after two seasons at state league rivals Mackay Cutters.

"Nathan is a strong, skilful outside back and will add some much needed depth to the Falcons outside back stocks in 2019,” Falcons CEP Chris Flannery said in a press release.

"We definitely found ourselves short for a quality centre at times throughout this year and we are hoping that Nathan can help to fill that position. He can even push out to the wing if required.”

At 179cm and 81kg, the New Zealand-born back has scored 18 tries in 38 Intrust Super Cup matches.

The Falcons also announced last week the signing of halfback Nicho Hynes, after he played for Mackay.

Flannery told the Daily recently the club was determined to boost depth in the halves and in the centres for next season, after battling to fill those positions on occasions during this year, when they finished 10th of 14 teams.